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Ever since my first experience of Disneyland's Peter Pan ride when I was 5, I've been hooked.
I don't know what it is, but the feeling like you're flying over Big Ben and downtown London at night with stars in the sky is like crack to me. Literally.
I could ride it over and over, all day long. Unfortunately, my kids aren't as weird as I am, and insist on riding other rides (they're so selfish), meeting Goofy and Minnie and stuffing their mouthes with cotton candy and ice cream.
I love Disneyland.
From the first time my brother and I went in 1973, when my brother pulled off Eeyore's tail and walked away with it, to our last family vacation there six years ago.
It's a family tradition that I adore.
Once we're in the park, we immediately go to the first 'trinket' stand and buy an autograph book and a cute Disney pen for the girls.
Then we walk down Disney's Main Street, breathing in all the sugar-fied air past the candy stores and head straight to the Peter Pan ride, because it's my favorite.
After that we contemplate whether the Snow White ride will be too scary (it is) and decide to either go on Dumbo's flying ride or head straight to It's a Small World. Most changes in the 'master' plan are affected by weather (if it's too hot) or if it's too crowded.
We always eat lunch at Blue Bayou (the restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean). It always makes me feel like we're in New Orleans at night, and my mind can completely buy into the whole fantasy. I guess I'm like a kid that way.
You'd think after nearly 40 years I'd get tired of Disneyland, but no, every time we return, it brings me right back to my childhood. Even memories of when my brother and I were 16 and 18 and ran around the park on our own, riding the rides over and over. Meeting our parents for lunch and then taking off again till dinner.
It was heaven.
Come Monday morning (or Sunday night, if I can't wait) you'll know where I am...
Standing in line at Peter Pan's Flight, waiting for my ship to take me to Neverland.
And I'll be in heaven, once again.
9 monkeys left witty comments:
I love 'It's a Small World' - it's the best part of Disneyland. The worst part is the music. Twelve hours listening to suger-coated Disney music is enough to send me over the edge.
I get to Disney World and live at Pirates of the Caribbean... they drop me when we arrive and pick me up when it's time to go ... sated, renewed and living my most treasured dreams of "arrrgh matey!" I can relate... nice piece, good to find u!
Mys,
I love It's a Small World too. Especially if it hot, then we go under the spray misters and air conditioning. I have an innate ability to tune out bad music.
GHB,
Only been to Disneyworld once, it's SO much bigger. My brother and I would ride Pirates of the Caribbean, get off, run around to the entrance again and do it over and over. Love it.
oh you darling, sweet girl!
what a lovely mum you must be
(if somewhat embarrassing)
Thanks for sharing this great story. I didn't get to Disneyland until I was 19! Didn't matter, felt like a kid anyway!
MG, the peter Pan ride still ROCKS! My fave as well. Have a blast and enjoy the great time with the kids. Can't wait to hear your stories! I am off to bed after Cub Scout camp - no sleep and memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun, Girl!
Just a little post...
We're here and the kids are having a great time. It's super hot thought, approx. 90 degrees. Ugh.
As per tradition, the first ride I went on was Peter Pan, and I giggles like a little girl, it was so much fun.
Hope everyone's having a great week, can't wait to share Disney stories when I'm back.
If anything, Disneyland is great for people watching.
Hope you are doing well and rejuventated from your adventures!
Disneyland is the one in florida right?
Well, I'm going to rain on your memory lane because I went once and I didn't really care for the place.
It was too hot, too busy, and way to damn expensive but then I'm a guy who doesn't really like to travel and the only time that I went I was in high school at the time.
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